Oppositions singing the same tune: “Ready for General Elections, anytime, no problem!”

By Qiu Hui Ping

China Press, 19 July 2016

(Kuala Lumpur 18 July) Despite the current state of opposition parties paint an impression of disunity, when it comes to General Elections, they sing the same tune, that is: “General Elections can be held anytime, no problem!” They are currently focusing on enhancement work on respective constituencies by collecting feedback and also short listing candidates.

While General Elections is speculated to be arriving early next year, opposition party leaders, when interviewed by China Press, are in unison that General Elections can be held anytime. They are ready to face the battle.

Compiling the preparation for elections made by DAP, PKR and Parti Amanah Negara, they are currently emphasizing on enhancement work right from monitoring the performance of elected representatives, collecting feedback in the region and understand the needs of voters to improve and adjust on modes to fine-tune.

PAN central committee Dr Hatta when interviewed, said although date of General Elections is not known, internal work must be completed where local feedback is collected and also short listing of candidates to be ready for elections.

Negotiate to field candidates for one-on-one straight fight

He said opposition parties must negotiate to field candidates on a one-on-one basis.

Asked whether PAN is facing an uphill battle in preparing for election as a new party, Dr Hatta said although the party is new, the members are not new. Many are veterans with sufficient experience to handle.

Asked whether PAN worry about clashing with PAS in some constituencies, Dr Hatta said, negotiation is required. The party is willing to negotiate with any opposition parties. Their common enemy is Barisan Nasional!

PKR treasurer-general cum central election committee vice chairman Datin Paduka Tan Yee Kiew said the selection of candidates is based on the performance of existing elected representatives. Next is sourcing for new blood.

“There are 30 constituencies which require special attention. These constituencies are seats which have been won or defeated with slim margin.”

She said the party has set up many branches in rural areas in order to reach out to locals. During elections, there will be sufficient manpower to campaign in these areas as well as monitor polling stations.”

She also said that PKR has been organising series of ceramah on “Dignity of the Malays” in Malay constituencies in order to increase their political awareness.

DAP acting chairman Tan Kok Wai, in his simple reply, said work on publicity, identifying issues and collecting public’s poll have been ongoing. The party is ready to face General Elections.

Goh Leong San does not receive recognition despite being recommended

DAP insiders said Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him is ready to retire but the successor of the parliamentary constituency would not be Duyong state assemblyman Goh Leong San.

Sim, 68, has promised during May 05, 2013 elections that it was his final attempt to contest. He does not want to seek re-election.

When he announced his retirement recently and recommended Goh to take over, what was DAP’s reaction?

China Press learns that DAP acknowledges the fact that it is time for Sim to retire. But it would not accept his condition of recommending Goh to takeover.

Sources said Sim seems to have lost touch with the party. Now that Sim has voiced his intention but the party ignores him.

“Who the candidate is used to be decided by DAP leadership and not a personal decision. This is an illogical request. Party would not give in.”

“The party knows Goh very well. In the past, he does not have good rapport with Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng. Earlier he was complaint by grassroots and his membership was suspended.”

Sources stress that party leaders would have arrangement on candidates. Once a precedent is set, party discipline and integrity would be undermined.

On whether chances of winning would be affected by new face replacing veteran, the source said it should not be worried at all as those who support DAP would still support the party.